Award-winning Nigerian Afrobeat singer Yemi Alade has revealed that a period of self-deception about her age once led her into depression.
In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the “Johnny” crooner opened up about a time in her life when she repeatedly told people she was 22, only to later discover she was actually 25.
“There was a time someone asked me how old I was, and for about three years I kept saying 22,” she recalled. “Then one day, I calculated it and realised I was already 25.”
The singer said the realisation hit her hard, leaving her emotionally drained and unable to process the truth for several days.
“I was depressed for a few days because my mind couldn’t process it. It was mental, for three years, I didn’t know my age,” she said.
Yemi described the experience as a turning point that taught her how easily people can lose touch with reality and how self-deception can take a toll on mental health.
Now in a stronger place mentally, the “Knack Am” hitmaker said the episode served as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and honesty, both personally and professionally.
